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No surprises expected from Bulls: Hammett

Cathy Walshe

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett knows exactly what to expect from the South African conference-leading Bulls in their Super Rugby clash in Pretoria early on Sunday (AEST).

Accuracy at the lineouts, intensity at the breakdown, a dauntingly effective rolling maul and a white-hot home atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld mean the South Africans present intimidating opponents.

Discipline will be also be key for the Hurricanes, with eagle-eyed five-eighth Morne Steyne's accuracy bound to punish any misdemeanours.

"They're not going to change a lot, but what they do, they do very well and they do it at good intensity," Hammett said from South Africa on Thursday.

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"We've got to try and shut down the set piece, and certainly shut down those first launches they have ... If we can get them kicking, that should be a win."

Hammett has made three changes to the team who lost 18-16 to the Stormers in Palmerston North last week.

All Blacks wing Julian Savea returns from ruling himself out of the Stormers clash after appearing in Wellington District Court late last month charged with assaulting his partner, and mother of his child.

Hammett says including Savea wasn't a difficult decision.

"Obviously he's been the form winger in the competition in some respects, so that was an easy one.

"But we need a collective big effort against the Bulls - it won't just be Jules, it'll be the collective group."

In other changes, Tusi Pisi will run out at inside centre in place of Tim Bateman, and Ash Dixon will make his first Super Rugby start, coming on for injured hooker Motu Matu'u.

Hammett says Pisi's late-game cameo against the Stormers last week showed what he was capable of.

"I thought he offered impact against the Stormers on defence and attack, and his decision-making with the ball in hand is very good.

"And at altitude, he offers us another kicking option at second five (inside centre)."

Hammett is looking to his team for another step up, with this year's Super Rugby campaign poised at five wins and four losses.

"Last week, while we had the loss, I thought we played our best footy and showed the best commitment we have all year," he said.

"But we haven't talked points at all - we've talked about the plan and the mindset to win this game. The competition ebbs and flows, and you can only control your own performance, so that's our main focus."